Natural remedies for blocked sinus

[miffy]

Hi Guys,
Have had blocked sinuses for nearly three weeks!! Peed off with sounding like a muppet, more so than usual anyway. Have tried sinutab, nasel sprays etc.. To no effect, has anyone got any natural remedies that they have tried that i can give a bash, bit desperate as not able to sleep, breathee or taste my food.
Any advice, tips,help would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Have a fab Christmas everyone. Miffy.

[Incy]

Hi Miffy,
I suffer from sinus problems too. I've found that a few drops of olbas oil under my pillow at night really helps. Don't put it on top of the pillow though as it can sting your face if you are sensitive to it. It also works well inhaled from a tissue or hankie during the day.

[miffy]

Thank you Incy, i will try that. Hubbie is off to Boots later will ask him to get me some.
Have a good Christmas.

[Incy]

You're welcome miffy, I hope it works as well for you as it does for me. Have a lovely Christmas

[Rhona]

We're great believers in Vick's Vapour Rub in this house. Rub some onto your chest, and under your nose, if you don't have sensitive skin.

[Jeanied]

How about using the steam method ? This was always used in our household when I was young. Get a bowl of steaming hot water on the table in front of you, add a few drops of olbas oil - or a small amount of Vick spooned onto the water - and put a towel over your head like a steam tent. Breathe in the steam and stay in there as long as you can stand it. Hope it works - it usually is a quick method of relief.

[Snadger]

A freind of mine suffered with blocked sinuses regularily. She was told not to use dairy products and it really helped her!

Not saying it will work for you though!

[Rhona]

A freind of mine suffered with blocked sinuses regularily. She was told not to use dairy products and it really helped her!

Not saying it will work for you though!

Totally agree with that - a lot of people believe that mucous is a direct result of dairy. As I mentioned in a another thread, Mr R has recently given up milk, and feels much healthier for it.

Might be worth trying to reduce the dairy and see if it helps?

[weekendwellies]

Eucalyptus soothes sore throats. It also has antiseptic properties and can help shrink swollen tissues such as swollen sinus passages. Take as throat lozenges, you can also drink eucalyptus tea. It is very helpful to steep some eucalyptus in a large pot of boiling water and use as an inhalant to unblock nasal passages.

Peppermint anti-inflammatory properties help to calm mucous membranes. drink peppermint tea or steep the peppermint and breathe in the steam. The scent of peppermint when inhaled helps to ease your breathing.

Ginger has long been known to relieve and prevent headaches. It is anti-inflammatory and contains substances that relieve pain.

You can also prevent a sinus infection by taking certain herbs, supplements and foods.

Lemon balm is helpful in fighting off viruses and bacteria. Steep the dried leaves for 10 minutes in hot water. Strain and drink the tea warm. Alternatively, lemon balm tea can be used as a gargle.

Echinacea helps boost the immune system and makes it function better. It has been known to kill some viruses of the respiratory system. Do not take if you have an allergy to ragweed.

Vitamin C and zinc can help to lessen the duration of colds as well as to keep the symptoms down. By fighting a cold early, you can help stave off a sinus infection. Take in the form of capsule or lozenge during cold season and especially with the onset of any symptoms.

Foods high in antioxidants help to build the immune system and prevent infections in the first place. blueberries, artichokes, red beans, cranberries and pomegranates. Try adding these foods in your diet to help boost your immune system and prevent a sinus infection.

[ginger ninger]

I pop a few drops of eucalyptuses oil in boiling water in a large bowl, put a towel over my head and inhale the steam....works for me, hope you feel better soon, its not much fun having blocked sinus's, it always gives me a thick head as well.

[Flummery]

Hyssop (garden herb, but not so common) is great crushed in boiling water and the steam inhaled. I used to grow it just for this purpose when my daughter lived at home.

[dexterdoglancashire]

I know this was said earlier, but Olbas oil is the only thing that works for me too. Hope you feel better soon.
Bernie

[miffy]

Thank you so much for taking the time to suggest some wonderful remedies.

I have now used olbas oil in hot water as suggested and although still blocked at present can feel the pressure in the bridge of my nose easing so will continue to do this.

I will also try the dietry recommendations you have all suggested, i am a veggie and so do tend to eat alot of diary products, drink milk, eat yoghurts and cheese etc so will try cutting back on these in 2010 and also eat more healthily too as haven't been looking after myself due to stress at work.

You are all super stars for all your time and effort to help me.

Have a wonderful Christmas and wishing you much happiness in 2010.

[coreopsis]

I'm always going for Jeanied method-it helps me.I heard about heating up some salt,wrap it in the tea towel and place it on your forehead/nose.In both cases you have to stay inside for at least 1 day.
Miffy,in your case I'd consult a GP-it might be caused by underlying problem like allergy you would never suspect.

[miffy]

Thanks, will go to docs in New Year, our GP is not the best in the world, he starts to write a prescription almost before you have started to speak to get you out the door!
Will persevere with inhalers and see how it goes. Thank you for your concern.